RAF Exeter - A wartime history

22/10/2026

22 October 1942 – The Station Behind the Squadrons

A brief entry in the RAF Exeter records notes that the station's Accounts Section moved from Parkers Cross, Pinhoe, to Nissen Huts at Deer Copse on 22 October 1942.

It is the sort of administrative entry that can easily be overlooked. Yet it serves as a reminder that wartime RAF stations relied upon far more than aircrew and aircraft.

Behind every sortie was an army of support personnel. Clerks maintained personnel records, accountants managed pay and finances, storekeepers tracked equipment, and administrative staff ensured the smooth running of a busy operational station.

The move of the Accounts Section reflects how RAF Exeter continued to adapt and organise its facilities during wartime. While operational reports recorded aircraft movements and combat activity, equally important work was taking place in offices and Nissen huts where the administration of the station was carried out.

For those familiar with modern Pinhoe, the reference to Parkers Cross provides a tangible local connection to RAF Exeter's wartime story. It reminds us that the station's activities extended beyond the airfield itself and into the surrounding communities.

The history of RAF Exeter was not written only by pilots and crews. It was also shaped by the many unseen men and women whose paperwork, planning and administration kept the station functioning every day of the war.

Images are credited to the original copyright owners and the office photo is a stock photo but a typical RAF Accounts office in WW2.

www.rafexeter.co.uk

20/10/2026

I was kindly invited to visit the Gordon Messenger Centre opposite RMTC Lympstone this morning and what a warm welcome I received.

The motto of this remarkable centre is "Enabling Resilience". It is a welcoming place where serving personnel, veterans and military families can come together within a supportive community hub. Proudly supporting the Royal Marines family and the wider Armed Forces community, the Centre's mission is to foster a sense of belonging and stability, offering tailored support that strengthens resilience throughout military life and beyond.

One feature that particularly caught my eye was an impressive model of a typical Second World War RAF airfield, complete with dispersal huts, hangars, control tower and aircraft. The attention to detail is remarkable and, as followers of the RAF Exeter page will appreciate, it provides a wonderful reminder of the wartime airfields that once dotted the Devon countryside.

A special thank you to Liz for taking the time to show me around and for the excellent cup of coffee.

To find out more about the wonderful work of the Gordon Messenger Centre, please visit:

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-community-centres/gordon-messenger-centre

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

On This Day at RAF Exeter

19 October 1941

The Operations Record Book for RAF Exeter records a quieter day on the station eighty-five years ago today.

A Church Parade was held at 0830 hours, with the Commanding Officer taking the Colour Hoisting ceremony and inspecting those on parade. The entry notes a "fairly good turnout", with special praise given to the WAAF contingent, whose appearance and general smartness were considered the best on parade.

The station was also continuing to strengthen its operational capabilities. No. 307 (Polish) Night Fighter Squadron had reached an operational strength of seven pilots and aircrew, while No. 317 (Polish) Fighter Squadron remained engaged in converting from Hawker Hurricanes to the more capable Supermarine Spitfire.

Although no dramatic combat actions were recorded on this day, the entry offers a valuable glimpse into the daily routines, professionalism and ongoing preparations that were essential to the Royal Air Force's wartime effectiveness.

RAF Exeter remained an important fighter station throughout the war, and the contribution of its British and Allied personnel, including the brave Polish squadrons based here, formed an important part of its story.

Sourced from the RAF Exeter Operations Book 19 October 1941.

Images are credited to the original copyright owners.

18/10/2026

On This Day at RAF Exeter,

18 October 1944

On this day in 1944, a Supermarine Walrus aircraft of RAF 275 Squadron was transferred from RAF Bolt Head to RAF Exeter.

Although a seemingly routine movement, aircraft relocations such as this were an important part of maintaining operational readiness along the South West coast. The Walrus, with its distinctive amphibious design, played a vital role in Air Sea Rescue operations, standing ready to assist downed airmen and distressed mariners in the often unforgiving waters of the English Channel and approaches to the Atlantic.

By the autumn of 1944, Allied forces had established themselves firmly in North-West Europe following the Normandy landings. Yet the need for rescue and coastal patrol duties remained as important as ever. Aircraft such as the Walrus continued to provide a lifeline for those who found themselves in peril at sea.

The arrival of this 275 Squadron aircraft at RAF Exeter serves as a small but fascinating reminder that the station's wartime story was not solely one of fighters and bombers. Exeter also played its part in supporting the wider network of operations that helped keep aircrew safe and sustain the Allied war effort.

Information is sourced from an entry in the RAF Exeter Operations Book 18 October 1944.

Image is credited to the original copyright owner, IWM.

17/10/2026

On This Day at RAF Exeter

17 October 1942.

At approximately 1830 hours on this day in 1942, a Lancaster bomber made a forced landing at RAF Exeter after returning from an operation against the Schneider Works near Paris.

The aircraft had suffered damage during the mission and one member of the crew, Flight Engineer Sgt K. S. Chalmers (576578) of 207 Squadron, was severely wounded as a result of enemy action.

Despite the efforts of his comrades to bring the Lancaster safely home, Sgt Chalmers sadly succumbed to his injuries before the aircraft landed at Exeter.

Just 19 years old, Sgt Chalmers was the son of Andrew James Chalmers (deceased) and Rose Ursula Chalmers of Hanworth. A brief entry in RAF Exeter's records tells only a small part of his story, but behind those few words lay a young life cut tragically short in the service of his country.

The accompanying photograph shows the grave of Sgt Chalmers in St. Bartholomew Churchyard, Hanworth, Norfolk, where he rests far from the Devon airfield that marked the final chapter of his wartime service. His headstone bears the inscription:

"He shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary him, nor the years condemn."

Today we remember Sgt K. S. Chalmers, his family, his comrades of 207 Squadron, and all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.

Lest We Forget.

Image is credited to the original copyright owner.

17/10/2026

It has been another busy week of presentations starting with meeting a new group on Monday evening at the Victory Hall, Broadclyst, and the Broadclyst History Society. A small but interesting group very local to me.

Then on Wednesday, a return to the wonderful Watermeadow Grange Care Home, Topsham, to a new meet-up for me with a Veterans Support Group. Both Monday and Wednesday's presentations focused on RAF Exeter 1940-1945.

To complete the week, another return to a familiar and interesting venue at the historic St Katharine's Priory, where I spoke to a full house about the Exeter Blitz of 1942.

It is always a pleasure delivering local history to local Exeter people, and especially to veterans, making this a particularly fulfilling week. The highlight of last night's talk was reading first-hand accounts from Exeter residents who survived the Blitz. Their words bring the events vividly to life and remind us that history is ultimately about people and their experiences.

16/10/2026

ON THIS DAY AT RAF EXETER

16 October 1944

Whilst the war continued across Europe, there was a welcome opportunity for relaxation at RAF Exeter on this day in 1944.
The Station Operations Record Book notes that the new station theatre officially opened its doors on the evening of 16 October. To mark the occasion, servicemen and women enjoyed a performance by ENSA (the Entertainments National Service Association), the organisation famous for bringing music, comedy and theatre to Britain's forces during the war.
The show, entitled "Time Out For Rhythm", proved to be a great success and was enjoyed by all who attended.
It is easy to think of wartime RAF stations purely in terms of aircraft, operations and military duties. However, entries such as this remind us that morale was vitally important. After long hours of work supporting the Allied war effort, the opportunity to sit in a theatre, enjoy live entertainment and share a few laughs with friends would have provided a welcome escape from the realities of wartime life.
On this evening, the sounds at RAF Exeter were not those of aircraft engines, but of music, applause and enjoyment as the station's new theatre began its service to those stationed there.

Lest we forget that behind every uniform was a human story.

Image poster created with AI.

15/10/2026

On This Day in History at RAF Exeter

On the morning of 15 October 1944, an important new tradition began at RAF Exeter. The Operations Record Book notes:

"The first of a series of Voluntary Church Services was held in the Station Church from 0830 to 0900 hours. The first working parade on Sundays now starts at 0915 hours, so that all desiring to go to church may do so."

At first glance this may seem a routine administrative change, but it represents something much deeper. As the war entered its final year, RAF Exeter paused to recognise the spiritual needs of the men and women serving on the station. By delaying the Sunday working parade until 0915 hours, personnel were given the opportunity to attend worship voluntarily before beginning their duties.

This small adjustment reflected a thoughtful balance between military discipline and personal faith. In an environment often dominated by operational demands, aircraft movements and wartime pressures, RAF Exeter's leadership ensured that those wishing to attend church could do so without conflict with their service responsibilities.

Today, more than eighty years later, this brief ORB entry serves as a reminder that behind every aircraft, every sortie and every official record were individuals seeking moments of reflection, community and comfort during uncertain times.

15 October 1944 marks the beginning of organised voluntary Sunday worship at RAF Exeter, a quiet but meaningful milestone in the station's wartime story.

Image is an oil painting by Trevor Sharpe and is credited as so.

11/10/2026

ON THIS DAY AT RAF EXETER

11 October 1941

A small but fascinating entry in the RAF Exeter Operations Record Book highlights the station's role within the local community during the Second World War.

On 11 October 1941, a signal was received from the Air Ministry requesting that the Station Commander give a formal vote of thanks to the Mayor of Exeter at the opening of an RAF Photographic Exhibition scheduled for 17 October. The signal also requested that RAF Exeter provide a Guard of Honour for the occasion.

While RAF Exeter is often remembered for its operational role during the Battle of Britain and the air defence of the South West, entries such as this remind us that the station was also closely connected to civic life in Exeter. Public exhibitions like these helped maintain morale, strengthen links between the Royal Air Force and local communities, and offered civilians an opportunity to see aspects of wartime RAF service and operations.

A brief administrative note in the ORB, perhaps, but one that provides a glimpse into the relationship between RAF Exeter and the city it served.

Source: RAF Exeter Operations Record Book, 11 October 1941.

Image is credited to the original copyright owner.